Nataliakulikite is a rare calcium titanium phosphate mineral discovered in the pyrometamorphic rocks of the Hatrurim Formation. It typically occurs as small tabular crystals associated with other rare high-temperature minerals formed during combustion metamorphism.
Is this nataliakulikite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch nataliakulikite with a known reference. Nataliakulikite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nataliakulikite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Nataliakulikite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often found alongside nataliakulikite
Minerals reported to co-occur with nataliakulikite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₄Ti₂(PO₄)₂O₇
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.81 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Pyrometamorphic Rocks of The Hatrurim Formation
Where rockhounds find nataliakulikite
Classic worldwide localities
- Hatrurim Formation, Israel
Field-hunting tip
Look in pyrometamorphic rocks of the hatrurim formation country, the host setting where nataliakulikite typically forms. If you start seeing fluorapatite, brownmillerite, gehlenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify nataliakulikite?+
Where is nataliakulikite found?+
What minerals are found with nataliakulikite?+
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Find nataliakulikite on the map
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